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Can I ask you something? What makes you different from me? What makes you stand out? Why will you be the one to succeed at War Games?
These are actual questions. If you’ve still got interview time scheduled, by all means, feel free to answer. Because I’ll tell you what makes me different from you. Why I stand out. And why I’ll be #97 after Sunday.
Because I refuse to be anyone other than myself. I could’ve joined HOW and dropped the video game shit. I could’ve been another angry voice in the back of the locker room, throwing the word fuck around with every sentence. We do a lot of nitpicking at others here, don’t we? Comes with the territory, I get it. It’s a psychological game, too. Knock your opponent down mentally, doubt slips into their heads. Been there, on both ends. But when push comes to shove… we don’t look in the mirror frequently. As athletes, we typically make the same mistakes over and over. After every match you should watch your replay and understand where you went wrong, even if you won. Why stop there? Rip a promo on someone, re-listen to it. Refine our voices, refine our skills. Progress and get better. Level up. Gaming 101.
For two full years I have asked myself… what does it take to be the best in High Octane? I’ve found answers, I’ve found setbacks. I’ve found answers which were setbacks sending me to actual answers. And I’m starting to grasp the big picture. The real picture.
I don’t care if you like me.
I don’t care if you hate me.
I don’t care if you think I shouldn’t even be here.
But I am the champion. And I am the only one everybody’s gunnin’ for.
So listen.
Maybe I’ll fight you fairly. Maybe I’ll drift away from the gamer’s manual for an added cheat code or two. The reality of the situation is, when you step into the ring with The Ultimate Gamer…
All bets are off.
And you better pray you’re on your A Game. You better be flawless. Because with each day passing on my championship reign, I put together another tiny piece of the big, ugly puzzle.
I know your moves… might even steal a few for shits and giggles. I know your attitude, demeanor and history. I know every little thing about you, if I want to go that far.
So line up, BOTS to Bosses and let’s see what happens on the big stage. Chances are I’ve survived you once and I can definitely do it again.
Our leader wants me humbled. He wants me to suffer. To be thrown at his feet, forever pleading for mercy. I’ll let him live in this dream world for now, until I do to him what I’ll do to all of you…
And what I’ve done to everyone else in Conor Fuse’s wake.
Try as you might, nothing can stop me.
Because come night two of War Games, I will be 166 days into my World Championship reign.
That’s the sixth best run in the history of HOW. Knocking on the front door of the next three in front of me.
And if you wanna take Lee’s approach and state I haven’t defended the title enough times… regardless of match, I have only been pinned ONCE since last June.
Once.
Ready, Player One? The Last Level Legend is waiting.
— — — — —
NOW
Dearness Living Community
Chicago, IL
June 2, 2022 – 04:00
It’s time for me to say goodbye. Since defeating David Noble, the Elders have wanted nothing to do with Conor Fuse. Well, maybe not nothing to do with me. I’m told they’re “disappointed”. Word is the door is always open but my new attitude and this “do whatever is needed” approach isn’t gonna fly. Forget about when I passed on drafting David Noble, a decision I’ll never live down according to the fan discord channels. The Elders don’t like it, either but the straw that broke old Margo’s back is when I punted Noble in the balls.
I arrive sharply at 4am, figuring everyone is starting to wake up. 5am is rush hour, 4am you’re still golden. Last year I used the entire floor to help motivate me to kick some War Games ass. Surprisingly, most of the residents are still alive today, no one’s kicked the bucket yet. Lost a few of the side characters but I made sure to really befriend the greybeards in their “best health” anyway. If I spent days initiating nothing but newbies, Conor Fuse wouldn’t be in the position he is today.
“Thanks for letting me in, Walter,” I greet my favourite Elder at the keypad entrance. I used to know the code, they switched it on me a month ago.
“Don’t worry about it,” Wally replies. I can tell by the tone of his voice he still likes me, although he’s trying to hide it.
I enter with a smile. “Rest of the Elders are aware I’m visiting?”
Walter looks down the hallway. “Yes and no. I told everyone you’d come by but most of them forgot so I told them again.”
“Figures.”
Walter closes the door and we gingerly (well, he does) make our way to the commons room.
“Everyone was mostly okay with it, no matter how many times I told them. Margo was happy, other times she threw a fit.”
“So the typical stuff,” I assert.
We find space in the commons room. Walt takes a rest on one of the 97red lounge chairs. I remember getting it upholstered when I won my first world title. Same colours as the belt, which remains in my duffle bag. Damn, the memories I’ve had here. A solid year of living. And I’ve known the Elders for at least a year and a half now.
I reorganize the room to account for more Elders. As I do, I continue the small talk with Walter.
“How’s Ruth?”
“Alive.”
“Richard?”
“Alive.”
“Tina?”
“Yeah, alive.”
“Louie?”
“Alive.”
Before I go on, Walter adds more.
“We’re all alive, Conor. At this age, it’s the only thing that matters.”
Makes sense.
“What about you?” He asks.
I lift up the large oak table and place it right in the middle of the floor.
“I’m good,” I finally answer. “I’m not sure if you’ve been watching but Lee came back.”
Walt gives an “uh-huh” like he’s not too impressed to hear the news.
“He ripped on me. ‘You won’t be champion anymore’ kind of stuff. ‘I can’t believe you ruined my company’. Yadda, yadda,” I chuckle. “The joke is he doesn’t even care about how I defeated Noble, or Cecilworth. Guy can’t get over the fact I love video games.”
Wally forces a laugh.
“Anyway, Kyiv next. We’ll see what I can do. Last year I certainly surprised myself and-”
I stop, noticing Walter’s been lost in my words.
“Dude,” I snap my fingers and he finds me in the center of the room. He smiles politely and it’s now I can see there’s been additional changes in his cognitive functioning, even though it’s only been a month since we’ve met.
“Hey Conor,” the old man replies. “How are you doing?”
It takes me a moment to work through what I’ve witnessed.
“I’m good, Walt,” I say with an added charm. “Real good.”
“Is Lee Best back yet?” He questions.
“You know what,” I mention in response. “He is back.”
And Walter gives it the old unimpressed “uh-huh” while I continue to rearrange the commons room.
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Name: Simon Sparrow \ Status: Hero
Dear Simon aka Jatt, I don’t know how successful I would’ve been without meeting you at the beginning of my High Octane career. If you didn’t lock yourself into a bunker, trying to emulate me by playing video games, I never would have moved into an old age home to outthink the crafty old veteran. Okay, okay, this whole ordeal sounds rather silly when I say it out loud but the heart of the matter is you were the goal I was striving towards. I didn’t just want to beat you, a part of me wanted to be you. To have the career of the man with a million nicknames. The one who could be taken lightly and yet feared in the same sentence. By attaching myself to the legendary Jatt Starr, I leveled up beyond my wildest dreams. While other friends have come and gone, you have never waivered. You are the image of this company and you are what you need to be, when I need you to be it. I have decided to pass on friendships within the squared circle. Except for the preexisting ones. Simon, I will always be in debt to you. We may have six other teammates on Sunday but I only stand with one. I am not a champion without Simon Sparrow but he is a legend without Conor Fuse.
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Name: Bobbinette Carey \ Status: BFF
Bobbie, I’m gonna be real with you. Anyone I’ve ever been close to has said you’re two-faced. I don’t even have to ask them, you’ve practically said it yourself. I’ve gone through previous years of footage, so don’t think I’m as naïve as I let on. I get what your game is about. That being said, I have no problem teaming with you or giving you the BFF tagline because unlike some of the other “friends” I’ve had here, I think you come by your traits rather honestly. Everyone needs support, even Bobbinette and the disgruntled, jaded Conor Fuse. While Simon’s back will be my priority, I won’t leave you stranded, even though you are tremendously capable of watching out for yourself. Retire on your own terms, Bobbie. Have at it while it’s not too late.
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Dearness Living Community
Chicago, IL
June 2, 2022 – 05:10
The Elders file in like clockwork. Walter’s correct, almost everyone seems to be okay with me. No one is overly friendly but I’ve certainly not received the cold shoulder, either.
“Thank you for allowing me back in this space,” rising from my chair, I walk to the front of the room. It seems like yesterday I stood here, with bulletin board material to my right, a Most Wanted board filled with Best Alliance faces. I’d take a ruler, point to someone and scream their name. Margo would go batshit insane, I’d rally up the crowd, it was a good time. It was the true first step towards the evolution of World Champion, Conor Fuse. Almost brings a tear to my eyes.
“It’s an honour to be back in Dearness,” I start from the top again. “And I’m glad we can put aside our differences to say one final goodbye. It’s clear the new direction I’m going in will not align with the Elder’s views. And that’s okay. We can agree to disagree. While I truly believe I am a good man, I am now willing to do anything possible to keep the World Championship around my waist. The shade of 97 trumps even my dignity, because I want to be remembered as the greatest champion of his era.”
I look around the room. Unlike when I was on trial in kangaroo court, I recognize I’m not being judged. The Elders are listening. I guess when cooler heads prevail, this is what happens.
“I understood I hurt The Elders when I did not draft David Noble and cheated against him.”
Another pause. Another look around the room. I see some gloomy faces, others may have already forgotten what they’re doing here.
“I take full responsibility. I will not hide away or attempt to defend myself. True, sound ownership of what I’ve done.”
I didn’t come completely empty handed, however. I flip the rotating blackboard around to reveal a layout of War Games 2022’s Most Wanted. It’s not as elaborate as the last. I don’t have arrows linking people together, no conspiracy theories on this board, merely a simple construction of who’s who and Lee Best in the middle.
Ruler in hand, I tap the main player.
“The boss is back and he isn’t happy,” I swear I hear Walter with the “uh-huh” comment again. “He’s out to get me. So be it, bring it on. I know each and everyone of you have been disappointed in my actions over these past two months. And I am here to give you the honest truth. As I said, I won’t hide it. If you think what I did to David Noble was wrong, then please don’t watch anymore. Because there is no level too low I won’t sink to. I need to walk out of War Games as champion to PROVE to Lee Best I am beyond a Chris Kostoff, I am above a Lindsay Troy. I am THE leveled up gamer. I am a force who he’s never imagined!”
I thought this might have rallied the troops but as I scan the audience, I’m left with the same lethargic, dull faces.
I lower my ruler. I push the most wanted list to the side. I also bring my voice down a couple of octaves.
“Okay, what is it?” I inquire.
The room stays silent. They can’t all be like Walter now, can they? I’ve lost the entire room? Or maybe the Elders still want nothing to do with me.
“So I was told we were putting aside our differences for one last goodbye,” I state with a hint of frustration in my voice. “But if this is the way you want to be-”
“Excuse me, son,” Margo chimes in from off to my right. “I think you have the wrong impression.”
Most of the greybeards nod. Walter rises from his chair.
“Conor, my boy,” he says softly, shuffling over and placing a hand by his temple. “Do you remember why you told us you joined High Octane in the first place?”
I’m not exactly following the Elders but I’ll play along.
“I wanted to be World Champion. Beat the game. Be the guy, the best player in wrestling.”
I truly believe this statement but Walter and the rest of the Elders shake their heads no.
“I’m not sure if this is the real reason, Conor,” he mentions. “But you’re going to have to figure this out on your own.”
Wally strolls over to the bulletin board and stares at it.
“One thing I will tell you, though… we didn’t call you here to stay close minded. We do want to move on from what happened last month against David Noble. And we want to move on with you in mind, too…”
Walter turns towards the rest of the Elders.
“But we’d like the old Conor back. You can still be you, with an added edge or a grudge. You don’t have to be perfect… but you don’t need to go to the darkest depths to win, either.”
“Toe the line,” another Elder snaps. I think it was Adley.
“You’ve won two World Titles by just walking to the edge and looking over. Never diving all the way in. And that takes skill, boy.” The old man rambles. “The easy way is the path you’re thinking of.”
Walter reveals the Elders have made a bulletin board of their own. I’m front and center with various other pictures of championship title defenses scattered around.
“Don’t slander your own name. Remember why you wrestle to begin with. Be the hope HOW needs…”
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Name: Darin Zion \ Status: Friend
Is #RallyZion still a thing? People love to rip on DZ. Teddy and I had to kick and scream for you to be a part of the 214 last year. A loyal soldier who always works hard, while you might make mistakes in the ring, you’re focused and ready to go. You’ll never say no; you’re a true warrior. Those who short sight Darin Zion ultimately are short sighted themselves. I had to kick and scream, placing you on the team this year, too. A lot of outspoken hate from the Highwaymen regarding the multiverse superstar. And yet, Darin ended John Sektor’s career. FACT. While you can surprise the world again Zion, you won’t surprise me. Even though I don’t want close friends, every time your name comes up I can’t help myself. I know you’ve got a new attitude and an extra layer of confidence. But for one more night, I’m on your side. I’m ready to rally along.
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Name: Christopher America \ Status: Foe
Christopher America, what’s up? It’s your neighbour, Conor Canada. You wanna watch some hockey and down a bottle of maple syrup after next weekend? It’s great you love your country, being a proud patriot and all, I would never mean any of this in slander. But what ya got for High Octane? Look, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I do my homework on opponents who are relevant and active. If you wanna make this serious comeback then I’m game to play. Maybe this is unfair of me but right now, I’m lumping you in the same category as the other returning vets who stayed for a level or two and bounced. Mario Maurako comes to mind. Darkwing. Kostoff. I’ve heard a lot about you, I’ve seen you perform for a short period. If you think you can stroll right back to the main event scene, times have changed. I’m in charge now. So let’s make this clear, I don’t have to impress you. You have to impress me. And so far, I’m underwhelmed.
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Dearness Living Community
Chicago, IL
June 2, 2022 – 06:30
The Elders have gone for breakfast as I say goodbye to Walter at the front of the doorway.
“Think about it,” Wally quips. “That’s all we ask.”
I shake the old man’s hand.
“Okay,” if NAC was here, he’d be fuming. Yesterday I finally gave into his obligations and I’m willing to take the plunge. No nice guy outlasts War Games. No “good” teammate gets through.
I think I already have my answer.
“You mentioned you’re moving?” Walter wonders out loud, as if he’s not so sure I said this earlier.
“I am. I move into my new place on Wednesday,” I remark. “I’ll tell you when I do. I’ve decided to become more ‘me’. It’s a place only a guy like Conor Fuse could thrive in.”
Walter doesn’t ask for more info. He’s likely forgotten what I’ve said.
“Listen, Wally, I-”
The old man doesn’t let me finish. He drags me in for a hug.
“Whatever happens in Kyiv, I’m gonna make the decision that’s best for me,” but Walter doesn’t hear me. After releasing me from his grasp, we smile at each other and he tells me he’s going to get breakfast. The greybeard slowly walks away and I take one last look at the place I used to call home.
“Do they have a point?” I wonder out loud. “Why did I join High Octane to begin with?”
I lean down and take my duffle bag. I hear #97 shifting around inside.
“Thanks, Elders!” I shout into the hallway. I pull the door open and walk away for the last time.
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Name: Scottywood \ Status: Foe
Scotty, you fucking kill me. Dude, I get it, you love hockey. I’m Canadian, I love hockey, too. I also love video games. I’m obsessed with that shit. I bought six PlayStation 5’s just in case the first five stopped working. Six. I could sell the others for a ton of money because no one can get their hands on a PS5 but fuck it, like I said, I’m motherfucking obsessed, bro. You know what I also DON’T DO? Use my god damn interview to fondle myself over the last Elden Ring adventure. Maybe you’re in the wrong sport. Maybe you should legitimately be a New York Rangers groupie. I can’t listen to you anymore, you’re fucking cringe. Oh man, great, NYR scored again. Good for you. That’s really gonna strike fear into your opponents this weekend! Or go ahead, keep it up. Tell Clay Byrd MOAR about Crosby and Malkin vs. Panarin and Zibanejad. Or maybe it’s Panarin and Kreider? Zibanejad and Fox? Was this as good for you as it was for me? Better? Fuck, I’d hope so. You’re not worth my time. No one in HOW cares. See ya on the way out… if you even show up.
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Name: Scott Stevens \ Status: Annoying BOT
Jesus Christ, here we go again, eh? From one Scott to another, I’d prefer the Scott with GREAT in his name. He’d be PRIME for a war. Regardless, I’ll keep this as a limited engagement. I’ll give you credit if you actually lay a finger on me. Otherwise, I’d suggest staying out of my way. Remember, I made you tap out to your own trademark submission. I said I was going to embarrass you and I fucking did. Know your place, which is World 1 – Level 1. Probably the first enemy you see. They say insanity is Scott Stevens doing the same things over and over again and thinking he’s a big deal. Yep. Moving on.
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Epilogue
THEN
Dated August 5, 2020:
Dear Conor, it’s me, Conor,
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. You’re just starting the big campaign on your own. Maybe one day you will beat Chris Kostoff, perhaps you’ll make it to a Mike Best match. And if you don’t, it’s okay. You’ve got heart, kid. Stay true to yourself. If you happen to find success, don’t let it go to your head. You’ll regret it later on. Everyone does. Stay grounded, work hard and keep your interactions limited. You’re a weird dude, you don’t wanna annoy too many people. Trust me. Dream, buddy. Dream big but don’t lose sight of the things currently in front of you. Do you see how well John Sektor wrestles? The guy is a machine. Your hero, High Flyer, is barely scraping by ATM. Anything could happen to Conor Fuse. You’ll lose lives, there’s no doubt about this. Make sure you learn from those losses and keep going. None of the guys at the top made it there without REAL trials and tribulations. Any gamer realizes you don’t reach the final boss without major setbacks. Remember, it will take a lot for anyone else to pay attention to you. Wrestlers come and go. That’s the sport. Some lose and give up, others wander to a different game. It comes with the territory. But if your intentions are pure and your heart is in the right place, you can reach your goals. A singles championship? A main event level match? Dare I say… a World Title? Maybe. Let’s take it a level at a time. Lee Best signed you. Does he know who you are? Lol probably not. He had some goons present your contract and isn’t paying you much. I can’t blame him. Work hard and make him take notice of The Ultimate Gamer. Throw your life on the line inside those four corners. Do it for the hardcore supporters, the ones who live vicariously through every wrestler walking through the curtain. Control what you can, let go of what you can’t. Study hard. Focus on each opponent. Live, breathe and sleep the opposition. Emulate. Dare I say, if you’re feeling confident enough, it wouldn’t hurt to steal a move or two, either. Do your thing and don’t deter. Never be discouraged, or if you do grow frustrated, find an appropriate outlet. Make friends. While this is a single player campaign, it’s dangerous to go alone. Zelda 101, bro. But most importantly, don’t get ahead of yourself… a World Championship may be there when you’re ready.
You’ll have to work for it. You’ll know when the time is right.
Maybe even a disgruntled owner may take notice of you, eventually.
And wouldn’t that be something if he did…